N.B. toddler critical after drinking methadone

A 23-month-old New Brunswick girl is in critical condition at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax after drinking methadone late last week, according to the RCMP.

RCMP spokeswoman Const. Chantal Farrah said officers and paramedics arrived at a Havelock home on Jan. 8, where the toddler had consumed some methadone in the previous 24 hours.

"We received a 911 call, and the RCMP, as well as paramedics, were on scene," Farrah said Monday.

The toddler, who had ingested the drug used to treat addicts, needed emergency medical care.

"She was taken to the Moncton hospital and later airlifted to the IWK in Halifax. The RCMP is investigating to determine exactly what took place," Farrah said.

Two people were arrested at the home where the child was found, she said. They were later released, and no charges have been laid.

Police are still trying to find out if the adults were legally able to possess the methadone, Farrah said, and it is possible that charges will be laid.